2022 Lexus IS vs 2021 Toyota Corolla

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, particularly in its 12th-generation form, was arguably the most attractive Corolla in recent history. The SE and XSE trims added sporty design elements like sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, a subtle body kit, twin-outlet exhaust, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite Gray metallic paint with a blue undertone made the Corolla genuinely appealing. However, some design aspects were off, such as the hood shut line that visually truncated the front end and the over-styled rear bumper. The Apex Edition amplified these stranger design aspects. The Corolla L, LE, and XLE trims offered a more anonymous look, with the Corolla Hybrid providing an affordable path to 50+ mpg.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance carried forward the legacy of the original 2008 Lexus IS F with a similar recipe. It featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The IS 500 was a thrilling ride, offering both emotional excitement and daily driving comfort. It commanded a premium price over the IS 350 F Sport and IS 300, but it delivered a unique blend of performance and luxury. The IS 500's design was subtle, with minor trim modifications and exclusive 19-inch wheels, focusing on a stealthy look rather than drawing attention.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE were equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 169 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 151 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. This engine was paired with a Dynamic Shift continuously variable transmission (CVT) featuring paddle shifters and a Sport driving mode. The CVT used a mechanical first gear to eliminate drivetrain slip, and its ten programmed ratios effectively masked typical CVT traits. The Corolla's TNGA platform provided a low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The SE and XSE trims featured 18-inch aluminum wheels and 225/40 all-season tires. The Corolla XSE demonstrated predictable handling characteristics, making it a competent compact car. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 34 mpg combined, with our test averaging 31.1 mpg.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 472 hp at 7,100 rpm and 395 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The rear-wheel-drive IS 500 used an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. Driving modes included Eco, Normal, Sport S, and Sport+, with a Custom mode for personalized settings. Lexus claimed a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The IS 500's adaptive variable suspension and Yamaha rear performance damper provided a comfortable ride and stability. The car's brakes were upgraded for improved cooling and performance. The IS 500 delivered a thrilling driving experience, with a seductive engine note and capable handling. However, it averaged just 17.7 mpg during our evaluation, falling short of the EPA's 20 mpg combined rating.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered numerous upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats with striped fabric inserts, front-seat heating, and an eight-way power driver’s seat adjustment. This feature provided added comfort and a commanding driving position. The rear seats offered good support but had tight headroom and legroom, with no air conditioning vents for rear passengers. The Corolla sedan's trunk provided 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the hatchback offered 17.8 cubic feet.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance excelled in comfort, with effective air conditioning and seat ventilation. The front seats were snug yet comfortable, with excellent thigh support and a driving position that fostered intimacy with the controls. The rear seats were accommodating for adults of average height, with rear air conditioning vents but no smartphone charging. Storage was adequate, though the touchpad controller took up valuable space. The trunk offered just 10.8 cubic feet of space, small even among compact cars. The IS had an excellent control layout, with buttons, knobs, and clear lettering for easy use.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla added Android Auto as standard equipment, joining Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Every Corolla included a free year of Safety Connect services and a Wi-Fi hotspot for three months. The SE and XSE trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with the XSE adding Service Connect and Remote Connect. The SE and XSE also offered a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with knobs for radio volume and tuning, and physical shortcut buttons. The dynamic voice recognition in the XSE was quick and accurate.

The 2022 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance featured a touchscreen infotainment display, solving previous ergonomic issues. The system included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The IS 500 Premium added a 10.3-inch touchscreen, navigation system, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. The dynamic voice command system was outstanding, handling queries and commands accurately. The control layout was logical and intuitive, making the driving experience more satisfying.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 (TSS 2.0), including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Corolla also added rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance had minor issues, but overall, the safety features performed well. The 2020 Corolla earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2022 Lexus IS featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.5 (LSS+ 2.5), including a wide range of driving assistance, collision warning, and collision-prevention technologies. The lane-departure warning system and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance worked well on freeways. However, the Curve Speed Reduction function could react too aggressively, and the low-speed automatic braking technology was aggravating in heavy city traffic. The IS earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a 4-star frontal-impact collision rating for the driver and front passenger.